Boris Johnson has announced a new series of events for this summer which aim to get more to people to use pedal power.
The London mayor described the initiative as a “cycling revolution” at a press conference in the capital.
He said: “Cycling is on the up in London, but there is still much to do if we want to really revolutionise the way that Londoners get about.”
Mr Johnson added that this was the reason behind the decision to pump a record £111 million into cycling during 2009.
One of the events planned for this year is Freewheel, which last year saw 50,000 Londoners get on their bikes and pedal past the sights of the city without a car in sight. This year’s ride will be bigger than before, and take in outer London.
Near miss overshadows cycling plans
Boris Johnson’s announcement of his plans was overshadowed when the mayor narrowly avoided an accident with a lorry while he was cycling with officials from Transport for London. The rear door of a 7.5-tonne truck swung open and picked up a parked car as it overtook the group of cyclists.
HGVs pose higher risk to cyclists
One in five cyclist deaths involves a heavy goods vehicle and the risk is even higher in urban areas.
Large lorries in towns pose a disproportionately high risk to cyclists. Of particular danger is the left-turning lorry the driver of which may not see a cyclist in his near side mirror. Safety mirrors work by minimizing a lorry’s blind spot.
Lorries built since 2000 now have to be equipped with EU-standard safety mirrors, but there are calls for this to be extended to the estimated 100,000 Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) built before 2000.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “Construction work for the Olympics has brought with it a dramatic increase in the number of large lorries on London streets so it vital that cyclists are protected. This is not just about safety mirrors, but better road design and reduced traffic speed. ”
Stay safe around lorries
The best piece of advice for cyclists in towns and cities is to give lorries, coaches and buses a wide berth. At junctions and side turnings be aware of lorries approaching from behind that may be about to turn left, and at lights do not position yourself directly in front of large vehicles – the driver may pull away without having seen you.
Get insured
Cycle insurance from the ETA offers a level of cover comparable with the fully-comprehensive policies bought by motorists.
At no extra cost, it includes new-for-old replacement, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, a van is sent to recover you and your bike.
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